Whole Foods was the first retailer that carried Beyond Meat’s vegan “chicken strips” back in 2013.
However, the CEO of Whole Foods says he can’t endorse any of today’s plant-based meat substitutes as healthy because of their ingredients.
CEO John Mackey has been a vegan for more than 20 years.
While he didn’t list any specific names, Mackey tells CNBC that the brands currently “taking the world by storm are highly-processed foods,” as shown in their ingredient lists.
“I don’t think eating highly-processed foods is healthy,” he says.
“I think people thrive on eating whole foods. As for health, I will not endorse that, which is about as big of a criticism that I’ll do in public.”
Mackey believes plant-based alternatives are a more ethical choice and better for the environment.
He also tells CNBC in an article that meat substitutes are considered by some as a way for meat-eaters to “re-educate” their palates.
Alissa Rumsey is a registered dietitian who told CNBC early this year that:
“They aren’t necessarily healthier than beef burgers. They’re totally fine to eat, but there’s no need to replace your beef burger if you don’t enjoy these.”